Canada's East Coast - Fins and Fiddles

Your adventure begins in the port town of Sydney, Nova Scotia, where you board your expedition vessel, the One Ocean Voyager / Akademik Sergey Vavilov. This historic port town was a center for early coal mining and industry and was also an important staging route for World War II ship convoys to Europe. Today it is home to a community of around 32,000 residents and is the 'capital' of Cape Breton. Board the ship in the late afternoon in time for a dinner of fresh local lobster as you sail into the broad expanse of the Gulf of St Lawrence.

Sculpted out of sandstone, these islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence are home to unique fishing communities with beautifully maintained waterfront houses and boats, flowing grassy plains, and sandstone shorelines sculpted by the elements. In addition to the traditional fishing and sealing culture found in the islands, encounter a wide diversity of bird and sea life. Europeans first discovered the islands in the mid 15th century, though it’s thought indigenous Miíkmaqs had been visiting for centuries to hunt walrus. Quebecois and Acadian culture runs strongly through the towns and villages of the islands, through local cuisine, craft and language. The island’s gentle terrain is a cyclist’s paradise, while the sea kayaking and stand up paddle boarding through sea arches and into sandstone sea caves is superb. Otherwise you might enjoy a whale-watching cruise in the zodiacs or head

In September of 1864, representatives from the British Colonies in North America met in Charlottetown to discuss Confederation. On July 1st, 1867, the Dominion of Canada came into being. Today, anchor just offshore Prince Edward Island near the town of North Rustico. From here you can split off in several directions. A tour into Charlottetown for those interested in a day in town is an option, or perhaps a visit to the celebrated location of Green Gables is an option? Or spend a few hours at the island’s famous Cavendish beach (with a mandatory sampling of Cows Ice Cream!) Another enticing option could be a leisurely bicycle ride along the Confederation Trail or the Coastal Drive. A round of golf on one of the islands celebrated golf courses, or a kayak paddle in Rustico Bay. You are welcomed back to the ship for a dinner of fresh Atlantic seafood.

At Bonaventure Island drop the anchor near the town of Percé and explore the island by zodiac. This location has a rich natural, historic, and geological heritage. Sculpted over time by the sea, the island is situated at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula. The outstanding flora and fauna, including its famous colony of northern gannets, make this location a highlight. Almost 300 different species of birds have been recorded as visiting, migrating to, or living on Bonaventure Island. An afternoon visit to the community of Percé provides a window into the rich fishing culture of French-Canada. Zodiac cruising, sea kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding are all activities that can be undertaken here, weather permitting.

At the mouth of the St. Lawrence River, where the river water mixes with Arctic waters and the more temperate Atlantic waters, lies Anticosti Island. Plan to hike along the beaches near the eastern end of the island followed by a zodiac cruise along the cliffs at East Point. You may observe several species of shorebirds and seabirds as well as whales and seals, which are frequent visitors to the island's waters. Bald eagles soaring along the shoreline, deer in the woods, and whales just offshore are all common sights in this location.

Sailing into majestic Bonne Bay, in the heart of Gros Morne National Park, the cliffs soar up out of the water and are covered in a green blanket of tuckamore forest – windswept spruce sculpted by the ocean breeze. At Woody Point you are welcomed ashore by a delegation from the community before hiking up to the excellent interpretation center. From there, various guided walks take you into the World Heritage-listed Tablelands and to the lookout for a view over much of the park! A boreal wetland landscape, featuring dramatic rock ridges, pitcher plants, white-throated sparrows, and perhaps even a moose could all be encountered as you explore the park. The twisting mountain road to Trout River makes for a challenging bike ride with your guides or a paddle along the shores of Bonne Bay is another great option.

The community of Francois on the south coast of Newfoundland was settled in the late 1700s. Francois’s rich fishing heritage also included operation of a whale factory in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known as an ‘out-port’, and accessible only by boat or from the air by helicopter, Francois has a deep harbour which is navigable year-round. When entering Francois harbour, you are first greeted by one of the few remaining manned light stations on the coast of Newfoundland. Once past the light, the narrow opening leading into the steep-walled rocky fjord amazes you. This is a spectacular location and for many, a highlight of the trip.

Saint-Pierre et Miquelon are a small group of islands situated off the south coast of Newfoundland. They were first settled by the French in the early 17th century and today, the islands are the sole remaining vestige of France’s once vast North American empire. Walking down the streets feels like taking a stroll through a provincial French town. There's an excellent puffin colony here and, if weather permits, cruise in the zodiacs to see these colourful birds. Tonight enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain to mark the end of your voyage through Canada’s spectacular Atlantic provinces.

Arrive at the historic port town of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, where the ship drops anchor in front the Fortress of Louisbourg. First visited in 1597 by the English, the town was fortified in 1713 by the French in recognition of its strategic maritime location. During the 18th century, Louisbourg was the third busiest seaport in North America. The fortress was destroyed by the British in the 1760’s and has been partially rebuilt and turned into a living history museum portraying life in the fortress in the 1740s. For the history buffs, this location is a highlight of the voyage. Visit the fortress by zodiac spending several hours touring the historic buildings and learning from local guides. This afternoon, return to the ship and set sail for the Grand Banks and mythical Sable Island.

Located on the edge of the Grand Banks, hundreds of kilometers from the coast, Sable Island has a storied history as a graveyard of ships, with more than 350 ships falling victim to the treacherous currents and sandbars. Sporadically inhabited by sealers, shipwreck survivors and salvagers, the island is now home to fewer than six year-round inhabitants, a herd of wild horses, and one of the largest gray seal colonies in the world. It is an important stopover for numerous migratory bird species as they make their way to and from the High Arctic regions. Sable Island forms one of Canada’s newest national parks and you explore the long sand beaches. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner attended by the Captain of the ship and reflect on your in-depth exploration of Canada's Atlantic provinces.

Sail back to mainland Nova Scotia, arriving into the Port of Halifax. Disembark in the morning and while some of you head to the airport, many may add a few extra days in Nova Scotia to enjoy this historic city and surroundings.